One of the things I missed the most about home when I lived away was the food. It’s crazy how many cultures influenced what we eat regularly in Trinidad and Tobago. You can literally taste our history. I remember when I was a student at UWI, Mona a classmate’s husband was on a business trip…
A lone figure steps into the middle of a Belmont Street, signaling the start of the procession. He wears what looks like a floor-length dress; it’s made with dried banana leaves. He has a beaded headpiece that extends past his waist, with two straw-like spears attached to his back. His face, shoulders and arms are…
Note: I first wrote this in 2023. This year many people seemed to have taken to Paramin to experience the Blue Devils and just enjoy a different type of Carnival. It really does seem like this Carnival was the one to give us what we needed, and I love that for us. I will explore…
Trinidad and Tobago has officially modified its Coat of Arms to include the steelpan where the three ships of Christopher Columbus used to be. Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley made the announcement, a national one, at his party’s convention: a political event. He said then, “You see them three Columbus boats in the emblem, they…
Originally written in 2021, my friend Keegan shared his unbroadcast interview with his late mentor Acid. I knew that I had to use it responsibly. Acid was a vision in the gayelle, like Keegan he made kalinda look like dance. His death is a lasting loss, and he like so many in T&T deserve justice.…
Originally published in the Trinidad Guardian in January 2021 under the title ‘Leave me let me wine” this article and video that explored the history of our wine, so the conference mentioned took place in 2021. The Caribbean wine is a thing of wonder, and sometimes derision. We have a love/hate relationship with the movement.…
This article and television news report was produced in 2020, and it was written in response to a common criticism of the modern Carnival, that designers and masqueraders love of nudity was killing creativity. I attempted to explore that argument without prejudice. Published in the Trinidad Guardian (print and online) 22 February 2020 Source: http://www.guardian.co.tt/article/validating-naked-mas-6.2.1059944.a2db36df0a…
Playing myself. A masqueraders account of the experience on the road for a Caribbean Carnival. Three veteran masqueraders detail how this is more than just a fete, but something closer to a genuine religious experience.